4/14/06 22:45 Copiague firefighters responded to a van fire next to their substation at Great Neck Rd & Dixon Ave. As firefighters arrived with the engine, the van which was loaded with oxygen cylinders exploded. Firefighters then quickly stretched a line to extinguish the remaining fire. An ambulance was requested forthwith for a male that suffered burns prior to the explosion. Ex-Chief Carl Lombardo is credited for removing the subject before the explosion occurred. Copiague EMS transported the victim to N.U.M.C. with 3rd degree burns to his lower body area. Crews remained on scene for several hours as Arson Investigators sifted through the debris, conducting their investigation.
Damage to the windshield of 1-3-5 during the explosion.
Part of the cylinder that exploded, this is in the firehouse parking lot.
This cylinder also landed in the firehouse parking lot.
Part of the van that landed a block away from the explosion.
Another part of the van that landed across the street.
The lucky first due crew.
